By Bobby Shortle
Hello everyone and welcome to Talking Comics Presents! Every week we here at Talking Comics will endeavor to give you a personal view of the book we are most excited for, and why!
Remember , I want your input, what books are you excited for? Have you found any great fan art this week? Whats your favorite cover, panel or bit of writing (easy on the spoilers)? Do you have a video testimonial, audio blurb or art of your own you’d like to share? Send these things to bobby@talkingcomicbooks.com and the best of them will be included here from now on!
Don’t forget to check out our listener question podcast, Joey Braccino’s Skyward Review, Mara Whiteside’s Gender Issues column, Melissa Megan’s latest Nature vs. Nerdture and of course the reviews from our amazing contributors.
Well, enough with the who, where, what, why and how, I give to you Talking Comics Presents for the books releasing on 5/15/13.
DC:
Batgirl #20
Story: Gail Simone
Art: Fernando Pasarin
Cover: Eddy Barrows & Eber Ferreira
Recommended by Bob Reyer, Steve Seigh and Stephanie Cooke
DC says: “There’s no time to catch your breath after last issue’s shocking ending as an emotionally unstable Batgirl must confront one of Batman’s most violent foes: The Ventriloquist”
Bob Reyer says: “Last issue, a concussed Batgirl made a choice that might have caused the death of a loved one, and which set her father, Commissioner Gordon, unknowingly after his own daughter. Can Barbara continue to be effective as a crime fighter when the law she strives to uphold turns its gaze upon her?”
Steve Seigh says: “I’m SUPER excited about this issue of Batgirl. Not only am I happy to be moving away from the whole James Gordon Jr. business, but I’m happy to see The Ventriloquist making a retooled return to the Batverse. Gail Simone is a superb writer who will no doubt give us something truly creepy and clever to look forward to as this villain is re-introduced into the DC New 52.”
Stephanie Cooke says: “I don’t think there will ever come a time when I won’t be excited for the release of Batgirl on stores shelves… or at least I HOPE that never happens.”
Supergirl #20
Story by Michael Alan Nelson
Art by Mahmud Asrar
Cover by Emanuela Lupacchino
Recommended by Travis McCollum
DC says: “Supergirl is dead—Long live Supergirl! Or so it seems as the strange connection between the Karas has PowerGirl becoming Supergirl again.”
Travis McCollum says: “Supergirl is a series I have been very hot and cold on for a while now. After twelve incredibly strong issues that ranked, at least in my opinion, as one of the top ten titles in the New 52, the series seemed to fall on its face with its inclusion in the H’el on Earth arc. I thought I was done with the series for good until I heard that Karen Starr (aka Power Girl) would be making an appearance in the arc following H’el on Earth. On top of that, it would reintroduce Power Girl’s old costume into the DCU. As a World’s Finest and Supergirl fan I felt like I owed it to myself to continue picking up the book and it’s proven to be the best the book has been in nearly 5 months. It’s funny, it’s clever, it’s well drawn and it’s everything you could ever want in a Supergirl title.”
Wonder Woman #20
Story by Brian Azzarello
Art by Goran Sudzuka & Cliff Chiang
Colors by Matthew Wilson
Letters by Jared K. Fletcher
Cover by Cliff Chiang
Recommended by Sean Lamont
DC Comics says: “Wonder Woman was certain there was one person in her life she could trust—but she thought wrong!”
Sean Lamont says: “This week would easily go to Wonder Woman for me. The nuanced character work mixed with the steady build-up to what looks like an inevitable war between the Old and New Gods has me hooked to this book month in and month out.”
IDW:
Doomsday.1 #1
Story/Art/Cover: John Byrne
Colors: Leonard O’Grady
IDW says: “The Earth may have dodged a bullet on 12/21/2012, but there are worse things in store for our little blue planet. Seven adventurers aboard the International Space Station watch in horror as most of the world is decimated by a monster solar flare. And their only choice is to return to the surface, and face whatever awaits them there!”
Bob Reyer says: “I believe that this series is a re-imagining of the mid-1970s Charlton Comics Doomsday +1, which was written by Joe Gill and featured some of the earliest comics work by John Byrne. As I was so wrong about the intricacies of the plot of The High Ways don’t take my word for it! Back then it was a nuclear holocaust as opposed to the solar-driven one featured here, but it seems the end result is the same. It feels like another winner for Mr. Byrne and IDW!”
IMAGE:
Dream Merchant #1
Story by Nathan Edmondson
Art by Konstantin Novosadov
Recommended by Joey Braccino
Image says: “A double-size issue to kick off a new sci-fi series from Nathan Edmondson and newcomer Konstantin Novosadov. Haunted by recurring dreams, a boy named Winslow is hunted by mysterious beings and protected by an old traveler. Soon Winslow will realize that what is in his dreams is what the rest of the world has been made to forget–and what strange entities will stop at nothing to erase from his mind.”
Joey Braccino says: “To be honest, I have no idea what this comic is about. The Image solicit says something about sci-fi and recurring dream-mares and a boy named Winslow… that all sounds wonderful. What’s even more wonderful is that Nathan “Dancer was one of Joey’s favorite comic books last summer” Edmondson is writing AND Konstantin Novosadov’s artwork is delightfully trippy. This comic looks like Casanova meets Sandman with a dash of Infinite Vacation and Air. I’m game!”
MARVEL:
Avengers: The Enemy Within #1
Story: Kelly Sue DeConnick
Art: Scott Hepburn
Colors: Jordie Bellaire
Cover: Joe Quinones
Recommended by Bob Reyer, Steve Seigh, and Travis McCollum
Marvel says: “THE OPENING SALVO TO THE HOTLY ANTICIPATED AVENGERS/CAPTAIN MARVEL FOUR PART EVENT! Can’t keep a good Captain down! Vicious echoes of the Avengers’ past are cropping up all over Manhattan…and a grounded Captain Marvel refuses to be left behind. Who is the sinister figure behind these incursions and what does it have to do with Carol Danvers’ mysterious condition? But is this villain real or just a figment of Captain Marvel’s increasingly deadly imagination?”
Bob Reyer says: “Each month, Kelly Sue DeConnick has revealed new facets to Carol Danvers amid her struggles to be worthy of the name Captain Marvel. Now, with her powers restricted and her very mind at stake, can she persevere against a threat she thought ended?”
Steve Seigh says: “The book that I’m looking forward to the most this week is Avengers: The Enemy Within #1 from Marvel Comics. I’m excited for this (four part) event primarily because its central character is one of my current favorites – Captain Marvel. I’m hoping that this event will give more, much deserved attention to the Captain Marvel character and help put to rest those nasty rumors about her series being considered for cancellation. It’s high time that we see female characters in comics get their due and with any luck this comic will be another step in that positive direction.”
Travis McCollum says: “With recent health issues causing Carol some concern and a return of an old foe looming in the dark, Captain Marvel is going to need all the help she can get. This Avengers Assemble/Captain Marvel crossover begins here and it’ll be interesting to see if my favorite title of 2012 will continue to impress as we head into this massive crossover.”
FF #7
Story by Matt Fraction
Art by Michael Allred
Colors by Laura Allred
Cover by Michael Allred & Laura Allred
Marvel says: “Field trip…into the heart of the Negative Zone! Scott Lang has already lost a daughter… watch what happens when he puts it all on the line to save… Bentley-23? The shocking reveal of the villain pulling the strings and pitting family against family — and a rescue mission unlike anything you’ve ever seen — FF vs FF!”
Mara Whiteside says: “Comics that feature teams with kids are fun and bright, especially FF. Each issue from this series has be delightful and fun, not to mention different from other series regularly published.”
Nova #4
Story by Jeph Loeb
Art by Ed McGuinness & Dexter Vines
Colors by Marte Gracia
Letters by Albert Deschense
Cover by Ed McGuinness, Dexter Vines, Marte Gracia, & Stephen Platt
Marvel says: “The comic everyone is talking about continues! The mysteries surrounding the disappearance of Sam’s dad deepen and the helmet leads Nova into intergalactic conflict that will affect the entire Marvel Universe!”
Adam Shaw says: “I am enjoying the crap out of Nova. It’s one of those books that highlights why I am enjoying Marvel over DC right now. Last week on twitter I said, ‘I read my DC books and it was like cosmic bowling. It’s dark, a little fun, but not a real party.’Nova is a cosmic party of pure fun.”
Jacob Bryant says: “Nova #4 by Jeph Loeb and Ed McGuinness has been great fun since it began. It is one of the precious few all age books on the stands right now which makes it even more important. Loeb’s witty portrayal of Sam Alexander and McGuinness’s gorgeous art are a perfect fit for this fun book.”
Wolverine and the X-Men #29
Story by Jason Aaron
Art by Ramon Perez
Colors by Laura Martin
Cover by Ramon Perez
Recommended by Travis McCollum
Marvel says: “See the Jean Grey School of the future! The students of JGS put a time-capsule together that you can follow into the future and see what happened to all your favorite X-Men.”
Travis McCollum says: “Have you ever wanted to see what the Jean Grey school will be like in the future? If you answered yes like me then you definitely need to pick this book up.”
X-Factor #256
Story: Peter David
Art: Leonard Kirk
Cover: David Yardin
Marvel says: “HELL ON EARTH WAR’ comes to its senses-shattering conclusion! • One Hell Lord stands victorious as the Earth is consumed in fire and brimstone. • The few remaining members of X-Factor make one last ditch effort to save the world from its grim future. Not all will survive the final battle. • And the last person you would expect winds up sitting on the throne of Hell…”
Bob Reyer says: Of course, the above is what Marvel said last time, as they released the wrong blurb for #255! Needless to say, this has been a fabulous story-arc in an equally amazing run by Peter David on this title, and I’m going to savor every issue as he guides this series to its conclusion.
Stephanie Cooke says: “X-Factor #256 – Thanks to Bob Reyer, the quirky X-Factor comic has become one of my favourites and highly-anticipated comics of the month. I’m bummed that it’ll be coming to an end soon, but I’ll embrace what little time I have left with the series.”
VALIANT:
X-O Manowar #13
Story by Robert Venditti
Art by Cary Nord
Cover by Trevor Hairsine & Ryan Sook
Recommended by Adam Shaw
Valiant says: “As Aric of Dacia grapples with the realization that the Vine aren’t the only race on the world he intends to conquer, will his surprise compatriots offer him refuge or rivalry? Meanwhile, the Vine’s leaders are about to launch their most devastating attack yet, one that will push the X-O Manowar armor to its limits and beyond.”
Adam Shaw says: “Venditti has been doing an awesome job of world building. X-O isn’t just the best Valiant book, but one of the best being published. Top of my pile everytime! I’m pretty stoked to see Aric kicking butt without his armor this issue.”
Talking Comics Presents 5.8.13
Due to a personal emergency I could not complete last week’s TC Presents, but here are the books are staff was excited for for the week of 5.8.13.
Bob Reyer:
Rocketeer: Hollywood Horror #4
“Can a grounded Rocketeer prevail against Otto Rune and the other-worldly horror that he has raised up? I have faith in Cliff, and in Betty and Nick & Nora Charles, too…and with Julius Henry Marx now on the case, how can this go anything but well? If anyone asks, “Tell ’em Groucho sent you!”
Fearless Defenders #4
“This book has swiftly become one of my favorites.Humor, action, and adventure in a perfect balance, and leads that are positively brimming with personality, this series is a great addition to the glorious history of Marvel’s #1 “non-team”, The Defenders.”
Adam Shaw:
Avenging Spider-Man #20
“Dan Slott has been pushing the Superior Spider-Man story forward, but Chris Yost has really been giving us readers a better look at the personality and character behind Octo-Spidey.”
Mara Whiteside:
Star Wars #5:
“Star Wars is one book that I was wary of when it was first announced as a new series. Since its publication, I’ve been inspired to branch out to other non-movie Star Wars stories and experience the entire universe. Each new issue makes me fall in love all over again with my favorite characters. Issue 5 will be no exception as Leia must outmaneuver the Empire and keep her team a secret.”
Jacob Bryant:
Star Wars #5:
“Star Wars by Brian Wood and Carlos D’Anda takes place shortly after the events in A New Hope and has been spectacular since it began. The creative team has been adding great and new depth to all the characters we love, especially Princess Leia. Each issue has left me wanting more immediately and is a must read for any Star Wars fan out there.”
Sean Lamont:
Justice League of America #3
“Sticking with a title that annoyed me a bit with its delay, but I am excited to read it nonetheless: Justice League of America #3. Building up a new Secret Society of super-villains to start squaring off the myriad hero teams that are out there, the steady pacing and build of the story has been an entertaining read thus far. With the action coming to a head this issue, it has me jazzed to see if John’s is intending to go full tilt here as he has on his other titles of late.”
Steve Seigh:
Suicide Squad #20
“This week I’m really looking forward to seeing what the new creative team of Ales Kot and Patrick Zircher can bring to DC’s Suicide Squad. I’m a big fan of Kot’s enigmatic writing style and can’t wait to see what Zircher brings to the page. Suicide Squad is a series within the DC New 52 that I’ve struggled with over time. I loved the first arc – particularly the one that focused on Harley’s (new) origin – but found myself unenthusiastic about what followed shortly thereafter. Let’s hope that this new team brings the goods and Suicide Squad once again becomes worthy of adding to our pull lists.”
Thor: God of Thunder #8
“Verily! It’s that time of the month for another one of my favorite on-going comic book series: Thor: God of Thunder. You can bet I’ll be drinking myself a frothy mug of ale while I read this book!”
The Fearless Defenders #4
“This all-female super hero team has been kicking ass and taking names since the start and I cannot wait to see what lies ahead in this latest issue. If you haven’t checked this series out yet, you really should. It’s got action, style, and more personality than most comic books on the shelves today.”
Travis McCollum:
Grimm #1
“Dynamite has been on a roll lately with their pulp hero books, but one surprise that has caught my eye is the first issue of Grimm, an adaptation of the hit NBC drama. The series lends itself well to comics, given the supernatural detective element that the show brings to the table, but adaptations, as promising as they may seem, can be hit or miss sometimes. Luckily Dynamite wanted to reassure fans that this comic would be good by releasing the zero issue during Free Comic Book Day. After reading it I’m hooked and can’t wait to see what’s next for our Portland creature-hunter.”
Uber #1
“Uber boils down to one simple equation in my mind: Kieron Gillen+World War II+Superpowered Nazis+Evil Scientists=Awesome. The zero issue was brilliant (and getting a reprint this week for those who missed it the first time around) and now we get to see how the adventure unfolds with the first issue. I can’t wait to read this title.”
Well that’s all for this week’s Talking Comics Presents, don’t forget to send your picks and submissions to bobby@talkingcomicbooks.com, and check out the Talking Comics Podcast. On this week’s show we discussed Agents of S.H.E.I.L.D. and took your listener questions.
